Clamp



i- 0. 1940. M. a. ERDLEY 2,212,156

CLAMP FilQd Oct. 25. 1939 2 Shgets-Sheet 1 Attorneys Aug. 20, 1940.

M. B. ERDLEY 2,212,156

CLAMP Filed Oct. 25, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l I I 25 7- w I r-7 IHUCTItOT MART/N 5. Lawn;

A iiomeys Patented Aug. 20, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements clamps, the particular object in view being to provide an inexpensive, easy attached device of this character for use more particularly in fixing various appliances to round post beds and similar furniture.

Another object is to provide a clamp for the purpose above set forth which is also adapted for general use and for fine adjustment within a wide range of variations.

Other, and subordinate objects, are also comprehended by my invention, all of which, together with the precise nature of my improvements, will be readily understood when the succeeding description and claims are read with reference to the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification.

In said drawings:

Figure l is a view in top plan of a preferred form of my improved clamp,

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation,

Figure 3 is a view in end elevation,

Figure 4 is a view in longitudinal section taken on the line 44 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a View in top plan of a modified form of clamp,

Figure 6 is a View in end elevation of said form, v

and

Figure 7 is a view in longitudinal section taken on the line 7-1 of Figure 5.

Referring to the drawings by numerals, in the preferred embodiment thereof, my improved clamp comprises a pair of main and auxiliary clamping units, I, 2, respectively, relatively rotatable about a common axis, in opposite directions, into different set positions. to dispose the same either in a common plane, or, in angularly related planes, selectively, together with means common to both units for retaining the same in different set or adjusted positions and for operating the same into clamping relation simultaneously.

The main unit I comprises a pair of opposed arcuate clamping jaws 3 pivoted together for movement into and from clamping relation by a pivot bolt 4 having a washer 5 on one end thereof, and a pin 6 extending through said end of the bolt and retaining the washer thereon. The jaws 3 are provided with opposed tail ends '5 of triangular form forming rearwardly tapering cams S and each including a pair of laterally spaced, apertured ears 9, one pair fitting between the other and through which said bolt t extends. A coil spring I0 surrounds the bolt 4 between the head ll thereof and the tail end 1 of one jaw 3,

inv

said spring having its opposite ends suitably anchored, as at [2, in apertures in said tail ends I so as to urge the jaws 3 out of clamping relation.

The jaws 3 are mounted on the front end of a provided adjacent its split end with opposed concave-inner edge portions l6, whereby said block is shaped to provide a pair of opposed jaws I l at said split end connected together at said other end, as at 18, for flexing into and from clamping relation and normally spaced apart. The described auxiliary clamping unit 2 is provided with a bore [9 extending transversely fromside to side thereof, in the rear of the jaws H, and by means of which said unit is sleeved upon the shank member l3 for rotation relative to the same and for sidewise sliding adjustment on the member.

A preferably rectangular bearing plate 26, centrally bored, as at 2!, is interposed between the main and auxiliary clamping units i, 2, on the portion i l of the shank: member I, the aperture 2| being square so that the plate is slidable on said portion 14 and splined on the same against rotation thereon. The bearing plate Zil is arranged on the portion 14 to slidably bear against the cams 8 of the jaws 3 and function as a thrust plate for a purpose presently apparent.

An internally threaded sleeve 22 is turned onto the rear end of the shank member i3, threaded for that purpose, and a washer 23 is fitted on said member between the sleeve and the clamping unit 2, said sleeve having a diametrical bore 24 extending through the outer end thereof for receiving a suitable tool for turning the sleeve.

The manner in which the described embodiment of my improved clamp is used and operated will be readily understood. Under turning of the sleeve 22 toward the auxiliary clamping unit 2, the jaws ll of the latter will be forced together into clamping relation to an implement, or appliance, interposed therebetween, and simultaneously said unit 2 will be adjusted forwardly of the shank member I 3, thus forcing the bearing plate 20 along the portion l4 against the cams 8 of jaws 3. Forcing the bearing plate 2!! against said cams will spread the latter apart. and thus swing said jaws 3 about the bolt 1 into clamping relation to an object interposed therebetween. Under turning of the sleeve 22 in the reverse direction, the jaws 3 will be released by the spring H] and-the jaws ll will react into releasing position. The clamping units l, 2 may be rotated relatively into a common plane, or, angularly related planes, about the common axis formed by the shank member l3. Under proper tightening of the sleeve 22, said units l, 2, will be frictionally locked insuch selected rotated position, the

reaction of the jaws ll tensioning the bearing 7 plate against the cams 3 and the spring ill and cams 8 yieldingly opposing said tension.

In the modified form of the invention shown in Figures to 7, the construction and arrangement of parts is substantially the same with the following exceptions. The jaws25 of the main clamping unit 26 are tensioned on both sides of the unit by a pair of springs 2'! but arranged similarly to. spring it. The block forming the auxiliary clamping unit 28 is split part-way only on one side of the shank member 29, as at 33, to provide jaws 3i operative into and from clamping relation independently of operation of the sleeve 32 corresponding to sleeve 22. lihe outer ends of the jaws 3! are provided with apertured cars 33 and a short cylindrical stud bolt 3 5 having a reduced end 35 threaded into said ears 33 provides means for ajusting said jaws 3i into clamping relation, said jaws as will be understood, normally reacting from such relation.

As will be readily apparent, in the modified form of the clamp, tightening of the sleeve 32 effects operation of the jaws 25 into clamping relation, just as described with reference to the preferred form of the invention. The jaws ii! are operated independently of the jaws 25 into clamping relation, but otherwise the operation of the auxiliary clamping unit 28 is substantially the same as described with reference to the unit 2.

The foregoing will, it is believed, sufiice to impart a clear understanding of my invention without further explanation.

Manifestly, the invention as described, is susceptible of modification in other respects than as disclosed and without departing from the inventive concept, and right is herein reserved to such other modifications as fall without the scope I of the subjoined claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a clamp, an elongated shank member, a unit extending from one end of the shank member in the axis thereof and comprising a pair of opposed jaws relatively movable into and from clamping relation, a second clamping unit on said shank member comprising a pair of opposed jaws extending laterally from said shank member and movable into and from clamping relation, said second mentioned unit being swingable about said shank member into different set positions and also slidable on said member whereby said units are adjustable toward and from each other, means interposed between said units and forming a friction lock under adjustment of said units towards each other preventing swinging of said second unit, and a tubular nut threaded on the other end of said shank member for turning against said second unit to thereby adjust said units toward each other.

2. In a clamp, an elongated shank member, a clamping unit extending from one end of the shank member in the axis thereof and comprising a pair of opposed jaws relatively movable into and from clamping relation, a second clamping unit on said shank member comprising a'pair of opposed jaws extending laterally from said shank member and movable into and from clamping relation, said second mentioned unit being swingable about said shank member into different set positions and also slidable on said member whereby said units are adjustable toward and from each other, means interposed between said units and forming a friction lock under adjustment of said units toward each other preventing sn aging of said second unit, and a tubular nut threaded on the other end of said shank memher for turning against said second unit to thereby adjust said units toward each other, the jaws oi said units being operative in each pair into clamping relation under such turning of said nut. 3. In a clamp, an elongated shank member, a clamping unit extending from one end of the shank member in the axis thereof and comprising a pair of opposed jaws relatively movable into and. from clamping relation, a second clamping unit on said shank member comprising a pair of opposed jaws extending laterally from said shank member and movable into and from clamping relation, said second mentioned unit being swingable about said shank member into different set positions and also slidable on said member whereby said units are adjustable toward and from each other, means interposed between said units and forming a friction lock under adjustment of said units toward each other preventing swinging of said second unit, and a tubular nut threaded on the other end of said shank member for turning against said second unit to thereby adjust said units toward each other, said means including camming devices coacting under adjustment of said units toward each other to move the jaws of one unit into clamping relation. 7

MARTIN B. ERDLEY. 

